Estrella Drills Up to 70% Manganese Oxides at Ira Miri Prospect

Expanding Manganese Horizons at Ira Miri

Estrella Resources Limited (ASX – ESR) has announced encouraging progress in its manganese exploration efforts at the Ira Miri prospect in Timor-Leste. Recent drilling has intersected significant zones of secondary manganese mineralisation just below surface, with visual estimates indicating high-grade manganese oxides. Notably, drillhole EMDD025 returned 2.5 metres grading approximately 70% manganese oxides from a shallow depth of 1 metre, while EMDD026 and EMDD027 also delivered promising intercepts.

This latest batch of drill results builds on earlier successful intersections, reinforcing the prospect’s potential as a substantial manganese resource. The mineralisation trend follows a northwest orientation within the Noni Formation, and Estrella is actively pursuing step-out drilling along this strike to delineate the full extent of the deposit.

Leveraging Advanced Survey Technologies

To enhance targeting precision, Estrella has deployed LiDAR and Drone-Mag surveys at Ira Miri. These technologies provide detailed topographic and magnetic data, enabling the identification of both primary and secondary manganese mineralisation zones. The integration of these datasets with MobileMTd surveys is expected to sharpen drill targeting and improve the efficiency of ongoing exploration programs.

Werumata Limestone Project – Ready to Drill

Parallel to the manganese exploration, Estrella has finalized plans for its Werumata Limestone Project, also located in Timor-Leste. The company has completed extensive community consultations and environmental applications, with approvals from the National Authority for Minerals (ANM) pending. Once granted, Estrella will commence drilling, initially using reverse circulation (RC) methods to establish a JORC-compliant resource.

Preparations include constructing all-weather access roads to ensure year-round site accessibility, a critical factor given the region’s wet season. The company is also conducting LiDAR surveys at Werumata to support resource definition and infrastructure planning, including potential port facilities for mineral export.

Strategic Outlook and Operational Momentum

Managing Director Chris Daws expressed optimism about the drilling progress and the broader exploration campaign, highlighting the significance of executing the first major modern mineral exploration drilling in Timor-Leste. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts with local government bodies and partners, underscoring the strategic importance of these projects for Estrella’s growth trajectory.

With assay results from Ira Miri expected within 4 to 6 weeks, and Werumata drilling poised to commence upon environmental clearance, Estrella is positioning itself to advance its manganese and limestone assets through critical development stages. The company’s methodical approach, combining cutting-edge survey techniques with community engagement and environmental stewardship, reflects a mature exploration strategy in a frontier jurisdiction.